Did you know that a 1 oz serving of persimmon yields only 17 calories? This makes it a perfect addition to your diet, especially if you are watching your weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Apart from its low calorie count, persimmon is also packed with various nutrients. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and antioxidants such as carotenoids and flavonoids.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional content of persimmon, its health benefits, different ways to consume it, and more.

Nutritional content of persimmon

As mentioned earlier, persimmon is a nutrient-dense fruit. Here are some of the nutrients found in a 1 oz serving of persimmon:

• 17 calories
• 0.2 g fat
• 0.4 g protein
• 4.6 g carbohydrates
• 0.7 g fiber
• 149% of the daily value for vitamin A
• 5% of the daily value for vitamin C
• 2% of the daily value for vitamin K

Benefits of consuming persimmon

Consuming persimmon has a wide range of health benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• Improved digestion thanks to its high fiber content
• Lower risk of heart disease due to its antioxidants
• Reduced inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory compounds
• Better immune function due to its vitamin C and A content
• Lower risk of certain types of cancer due to its antioxidants

Different ways of consuming persimmon

Persimmon can be consumed in various ways. Some of the most popular ways include:

• As a snack, simply by eating it fresh
• As a salad topping, whether diced or sliced
• In smoothies or juices
• Baked or grilled as a dessert or side dish

How to incorporate persimmon in your diet

If you're not used to eating persimmon, there are many ways you can incorporate it into your diet. Some ideas include:

• Adding it to your morning smoothie
• Using it as a salad topping
• Baking it and serving it with yogurt as a dessert
• Slicing it and serving it with cheese as a snack or appetizer

Comparison of persimmon calories with other fruits

While persimmon is very low in calories, how does it compare to other popular fruits? Here is a chart showcasing the calories in various fruits per 1 oz serving:

Persimmon recipes for weight loss

Here are some delicious persimmon recipes that can help with weight loss:

• Persimmon smoothie: blend 1 persimmon, 1 banana, 1 cup of spinach, 1 tbsp of chia seeds, and 1 cup of almond milk until smooth
• Roasted persimmon salad: roast sliced persimmon and almonds at 375°F for 15 minutes and serve on a bed of arugula, topped with goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette
• Persimmon and turkey wrap: wrap a persimmon slice, turkey, spinach and hummus in a whole grain wrap for a low calorie and filling lunch

Health risks associated with persimmon consumption

While persimmon is generally safe to eat, there are some risks associated with its consumption. Some of these risks include:

• Constipation due to its high tannin content
• Allergic reactions in some individuals
• Interference with certain medications due to its vitamin K content. If you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin, talk to your doctor before consuming persimmon

Seasonal availability of persimmon

Persimmon is a seasonal fruit that is typically available from October to February. During this time, you can find it fresh in most grocery stores and farmers' markets. Outside of the season, you may be able to find persimmon products such as dried persimmon or persimmon pulp.

Storage and handling tips for persimmon

To store persimmon, keep it in a cool and dry place such as your pantry or refrigerator. Make sure to handle it gently as it bruises easily. If you want to speed up the ripening process, you can place it in a paper bag with an apple or banana, which will release ethylene gas and help the persimmon ripen faster.

Fun facts about persimmon

Did you know these interesting facts about persimmon?

• Persimmon is native to China and has been cultivated for thousands of years
• The word persimmon comes from the Native American word 'putchamin', which means 'a dry fruit'
• There are two main types of persimmon: astringent and non-astringent. Astringent persimmons need to be fully ripe before they can be eaten, while non-astringent persimmons can be eaten when they are still firm